Effects of 2,4-D on the germination and initial development of Dyckia vicentensis Strehl – an endemic bromeliad from the Pampa biome

Abstract

ABSTRACT Dyckia vicentensis Strehl is an endemic and endangered species of southwestern Rio Grande do Sul state (RS, Brazil) and is commonly found near soybean crops, where use of the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is frequent. Thus, this study aimed to test the influence of 2,4-D on its germination and initial development under in vitro conditions. Disinfected seeds from natural populations were cultured on Murashige and Skoog nutrient medium containing 0 (control), 5, 10, and 20 mg L−1 of 2,4-D. Although 2,4-D did not affect the germination percentage, the seeds kept in the medium containing 2,4-D took longer to germinate, in addition to there being no normal seedling emergence. Hence, exposure to 2,4-D may be one of the factors that contribute to reducing D. vicentensis populations in their natural environment.